Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."